The 4-3-2-1 Strategy: How to Plan a Missions Calendar
Every church wants to be more intentional about missions, but most leaders hit the same roadblock: how do we actually plan this into our calendar? Without a clear rhythm, missions often gets pushed to the margins instead of becoming part of the church’s culture.
That’s why we created the 4-3-2-1 Strategy Calendar. It’s a simple, repeatable way to put missions in front of your people all year long—local, regional, national, and global.
What You’ll Learn
4 Local Months – Four months focused on serving your own community through hands-on projects and partnerships.
3 Regional Months – Three months engaging with sister churches and ministries in your county or state.
2 National Months – Two opportunities to partner with other churches across Illinois or in other states.
1 International Month – One global trip each year, whether as a church or by sending members with another team.
Why It Matters
The 4-3-2-1 Strategy gives your church a missions rhythm that’s sustainable and scalable. It keeps missions from being an afterthought and turns it into an ongoing expectation. With this calendar in place, your church will build momentum, deepen discipleship, and keep God’s mission front and center.
Download It
Plan with clarity. Mobilize with purpose. Build a missions culture in your church.
Shannon Ford
Missions Director, shannonford@ibsa.org
